Returning officers barred from referendum 'Yes' campaign, must remain neutral: EC Masud

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud has clarified that returning officers and their assistants are strictly prohibited from participating in any campaigning for the upcoming referendum. Speaking to the media, he said, "Returning officers cannot, under any circumstances, take part in campaigning for "Yes" or "No". They must remain neutral. This must be strictly observed."

The warning comes as the government, alongside various political figures, has actively urged voters to support the "Yes" option in the nationwide referendum. Unlike the parliamentary elections, this referendum does not involve any political party or candidate, and no separate code of conduct has been drafted for it.

The 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum will be held on the same day, 12 February. Voters will cast their ballots on two separate papers – one listing candidates and symbols for parliamentary seats, and another allowing voters to express their opinions on four referendum questions with "Yes" or "No" votes.

For the combined elections, 69 returning officers and 499 assistant returning officers have been appointed. Responsibilities have been assigned to divisional commissioners of Dhaka and Chattogram, deputy commissioners, regional election officers, upazila executive officers, and other election officials. According to the schedule, the deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers is 20 January, symbols will be allocated on 21 January, and campaigning can begin from 22 January, continuing until 7:30am on 10 February.

Under Article 5 of the Referendum Ordinance, returning and assistant returning officers serve as the authorised officials to manage the voting process. Presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, and polling officers are also bound by the same neutrality requirements, legally obliged to act impartially once assigned.

Despite this, the interim government earlier this month reportedly instructed officials, including deputy commissioners, to conduct a "awareness campaign" with messages explicitly urging citizens to vote "Yes". Slogans circulated included calls such as "Vote Yes for the implementation of all reforms; a No vote will achieve nothing. Vote Yes for change."

Commissioner Masud stressed that the existing code of conduct for parliamentary candidates and parties also applies to the referendum. With both elections held simultaneously, violations, penalties, and adjudication will follow the Representation of the People Order (RPO) framework, and similar conduct considered an offence in the parliamentary election will also be treated as a violation in the referendum.

Already, in Sherpur-3 (Shribardi–Jhenaigati), a candidate has received a show-cause notice from the Electoral Investigation and Adjudication Committee for campaigning on the referendum issue. Masud commented on the matter, saying, "I believe the code of conduct applies to candidates and parties for the parliamentary elections. There are no parties or candidates in the referendum. Still, to maintain a proper electoral environment, it is appropriate not to conduct public campaigning for "Yes" or "No" before 21 January."

Regarding the government's active "Yes" campaign, Masud added that there is no policy barrier, noting, "The government has worked hard on reforms for the country's present and future. The July ordinance was passed after extensive consultations with senior political figures and parties. Presenting this to the public is not inconsistent."

Meanwhile, Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, responding to questions about the government's "Yes" drive, said, "You are asking the Election Commission about referendum campaigning. You are acknowledging that the government is campaigning. You should ask those conducting the campaign. Why are you asking me?"